Vampires. Werewolves. Zombies. Clowns in storm drains. Homebuying. When this time of year rolls around, many first-time homebuyers have a list of top-five fears that looks something like this. OK fine, sometimes “zombies” are replaced by “creepy dolls.” Regardless of your order, it’s time to employ some fool-proof ways to address that final fear: homebuying. Because it’s not nearly as scary as it may sound.

Kelli Wilson opted for homeownership because she was looking for financial stability. She found that in a 1937 home, complete with spiral staircase, ceilings with rounded corners and vintage cabinetry with antique hardware.

The best part? Her mortgage is now lower than what she would be paying for rent. The other best part is that she knows how much her mortgage payment is going to be every month.

“When I lived in an apartment that would go up continually every year, a hundred dollars here, a hundred dollars there,” she says.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase “Ignorance is bliss,” right? Well, when it comes to buying a home, we couldn’t disagree more.

In fact, the more you know about the homebuying process — the better armed you are with a complete picture about the ins, outs, do’s and don’ts — the easier it is for you to come to a few key realizations. Notably:

1. Is homebuying right for you? (We’re hoping you’re thinking “yes.”)

Effective September 1, 2020 the HIP DPA program will change from a 3-year/30-year split second mortgage to a straight 3-year prorated forgivable second.